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Hazy alt-folk, buoyant pop, atmospheric country and more new music

CHAI: Surprise Japanese group CHAI have released the buoyant track “Surprise” along with an equally colorful and vibrant Yoshio Nakaiso-directed video. The clip is a nod to when the band’s trailer was stolen during their North American tour, “We were able to continue our shows because of the overwhelming support and love from all of you. We never forget how much we appreciate you, and …

Mykki Blanco feat. Diana Gordon and Sam Buck: Your Love Was A Gift

“Your Love Was A Gift,” the second single from Mykki Blanco’s upcoming album (following their recently released duet with R.E.M. frontman Micheal Stipe), sees the artist taking a backseat to featured vocalists Diana Gordon and Sam Buck. It’s a stirring, heartrending track that shifts between vulnerable and powerful vocals and sermon-style spoken word. “‘Your Love Was a Gift’ is for me, if not the most …

Lampland: Flowers in the Rain

From Lampland (aka New York-based singer-songwriter Tommy Bazarian), the hazy alt-folk track “Flowers in the Rain” features vivid, visceral storytelling charged with currents of emotion. It’s the second single Bazarian’s shared from the forthcoming album Dry Heat, out 20 May on Park the Van. “This is one of my favorite songs off of the new record, and it was hands down the hardest to make,” Bazarian says. …